Middle School Athletics

The mission of the District 65 IESA/Sports Conference is to provide equitable, safe, and enriching athletic opportunities that inspire every student-athlete to pursue excellence in competition, the classroom, and the community. Through education-based athletics, we develop confident leaders, resilient teammates, and respectful citizens who are prepared for success in high school and beyond.

We believe athletics are about much more than wins and losses. They are about building character, developing confidence, embracing challenges, and learning to lead with integrity.

Every practice, competition, and team experience provides students with opportunities to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Our coaches are educators first, committed to creating environments where effort is valued, teamwork is celebrated, and every student-athlete feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.

The District 65 IESA/Sports Conference believes every student deserves access to a positive and meaningful athletic experience. We are committed to removing barriers, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that all students—regardless of background, identity, or experience level—have the opportunity to participate, compete, and thrive.

Together, we are building the next generation of Wildkits—one student-athlete, one team, and one season at a time.

• Four middle schools united through one District-wide athletic conference.
• Six interscholastic sports and expanding intramural opportunities for all students.
• Official member of the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA).
• Student-athletes competing annually in IESA Regional, Sectional, and State Series competition.
• Multiple IESA State qualifiers, All-State performances, individual medalists, conference champions, and Top-10 state finishes over the past decade.
• Chute Middle School has built one of the premier middle school track and field programs in Illinois, capturing numerous conference championships while consistently producing IESA State qualifiers and medalists.
• Several former Chute Middle School student-athletes were key contributors to the 2026 Evanston Township High School IHSA Boys Track & Field State Championship Team, demonstrating the strength of the District 65-to-ETHS athletic pathway and the long-term development of our student-athletes.
• Haven Middle School has developed a proud tradition in cross country and track & field, producing multiple IESA State qualifiers, individual medalists, and Top-10 state finishes while consistently competing among Illinois' top middle school programs.
• Strong partnerships with Evanston Township High School provide student-athletes with a seamless transition into one of Illinois' premier high school athletic programs.
• Student-centered programs that emphasize character, leadership, sportsmanship, academic achievement, safety, and lifelong wellness.